Did you know that the Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge historic site probably includes the remains of slave quarters? And that there has also been an identified slave burial site across Oak Ridge Road in Edison? Most people do not know. (This Homestead Farm is commonly known as the former Oak Ridge Golf Pro Shop.)

Centuries earlier at this Historic Homestead at Oak Ridge, then known as the Smith Farm in the area then known as Ash Swamp, in December 1776 the Hessians literally left William Smith bleeding on the floor. Mr. Smith shot the Hessian officer who was “ravishing” his daughter Isabel. Other Hessians came in and shot William Smith, leaving him bleeding on the floor, expecting him to die. Did he?

Come to the opening meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood on Tuesday evening September 24th to find out the answer to this question and to hear the latest details of the slave burial quarters and grounds from Historian William Fidurski. His program will include slides of Oak Ridge and copies of the Smith family & other important information.

Fidurski wrote the application to put the Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge on the State and National Registries.  He effectively argued that the entire 208-acres as well as the Homestead and its dwellings be included.  And it was: on October 25, 1995 it was approved and placed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Biologist and Historian Fidurski, a graduate of Rutgers University, completed additional studies at Columbia University and Cornell University and the U of Wisconsin at Madison. During the Vietnam War, he served in the civilian military. He spent two decades as the Senior Investigator for the Federal Drug Agency before retiring. During that time he again wrote an important document on NJ’s Natural areas. Fidurski specializes in the early history of the Stars and Stripes and the New Jersey campaign of 1777. He has been involved in historic preservation efforts such as Bass Farmstead in Hardwick Township, Mount Farm in West Windsor and the Victorian row houses along Essex Street in the Paulus Hook Historic District in Jersey City. Now he is currently investigating the role of the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad in Central NJ as well as being deeply involved in preserving the Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is thrilled to have Bill Fidurski as the opening speaker for the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday September 24th. Come to this free, open to the public, meeting to learn about the history of the Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge, more recently known in this area as the Oak Ridge Golf House. Learn about the present needs for preserving not only the Homestead but the slave quarters and burial site. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

Freemasons at the Dedication Ceremony of Thomas W. Osborn Civil War memorial headstone

Ronald Murad is a lover of history and a local resident of Fanwood for 35 years. He is also a Freemason being a member of two Masonic Research societies and a member of the Grand Lodge of NJ’s ‘Speaker Bureau.’ His personal Masonic library is almost 200 books. Clearly he is perfect to educate us about Freemasonary, the world’s oldest fraternal organization.

Historical documentation can be traced back to the 900s AD, with the current “formal” version of it dating back to 1717 when 4 lodges in London merged to form the first “Grand Lodge” of England. Its principal tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth. It operated on a democratic system and how our new country operated was based on the democratic system of the lodges’ operation. Even the “separation of church and state” was a Masonic concept.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is pleased to have Ron Murad educate us about Freemasonry at our upcoming meeting on Wednesday May 22nd. Come to this free, open to the public, meeting to learn how the Freemason’s phrases “The Brotherhood of Man Under the Fatherhood of God” and “To make good men better” illustrate the continuing work and influence of this influential national and international organization. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

You probably think Origami is a hobby practiced mostly by females. You would be only partially right. It is used in the engineering world and in the therapeutic treatment of various problems and in mindfulness. Origami has many benefits: creating beautiful designs; helping reduce stress; improving eye-hand coordination; enhancing patience and persistence, promoting learning, education and boosting creativity.

Origami was popularized in Japan but its origins started in China where paper making can be traced to about 105 AD.  Paper Origami was originally practiced by monks who brought paper and the ideas for folding it to Japan in the 6th century. Orikata meant folded shapes. It was a vital skill for aristocrats & high ranking soldiers in Japan as well as decorating temples & shrines. Origami is derived from two Japanese words, Ori (folded) & Kami (paper). This transition came into use in the 1880’s.

Our presenter, a gifted artist, is well named: Joy Ann Cabanos. She IS joyful and is very excited to supervise us in the making of Origami tulips. She was one of those kids who drew on the walls at home. Art was her favorite subject in school and eventually became something she did. Her art springs from a deep love of nature, people & animals, music, poetry and dance. She has been part of many groups and solo exhibits in the Philippines, the UK and the USA. Her work is featured in private collections locally and internationally. She continues in-person & online watercolor & Origami workshops.

We welcome everyone to join us for this Fun and Focused evening where we make Origami tulips, instructed &  supervised by Joy. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 23rd at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.